Reader Awards 2018

The winners

Our fourth annual Reader Awards, in association with Flight Centre, is the definitive word on the best places, experiences, hotels, operators, travel personalities, podcasts and more, as shortlisted by our judges and voted for by you.

The Winners

RISING STAR (CITY/REGION)

The destinations making a name for themselves.

Bristol, UK

RETURN TICKET (COUNTRY)

It’s the destination you keep going back to, again and again.

Italy

NEW NATIONAL TREASURE (UK ATTRACTION)

Britain’s best new attractions. It could have opened in 2017 or launched a new exhibit, or maybe it’s made some changes and is finally finding its groove.

Temperate House, Kew Gardens

FAR & AWAY (OVERSEAS ATTRACTION)

Be it a thought-provoking museum or a thrilling theme park, new experiences and attractions are popping up all over the world.

Circus Maximus, Rome

LANDMARK LEGEND (FAMOUS ATTRACTION)

All-time favourite monuments or sights that exceeded expectations.

Grand Canyon, USA

ONE FOR THE KIDS (FAMILY EXPERIENCE)

From savvy tour outfits and resorts, to tailor-made activities and idyllic places, these are the travel experiences that please all the family.

Walt Disney World, Florida

RIGHT TRACK (RAIL)

Celebrating rail experiences, from luxury transcontinental journeys to impeccably serviced short hops, or high-tech, high-speed connections that make sitting in a seat a unique travel pleasure.

Eurostar, London to Amsterdam

THE EXPERIENCE (TRAVEL EXPERIENCE)

The bucket-list experiences that really brought a destination to life.

A helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon

ACROSS THE WAVES (CRUISE & FERRY)

From smooth-riding river cruises to plush ferry services, these are the travel experiences afloat that left you feeling truly buoyant.

MS Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Cruise Line

DOMESTIC BLISS (UK HOTEL)

What sets a hotel apart from the rest? Is it its indie spirit, innovative design or unique British service?

Gleneagles Hotel, Perth and Kinross

THE DESTINATION HOTEL (OVERSEAS HOTEL)

Some hotels are destinations in their own right. A great hotel can give you an insider’s take on a place, and with great design and carefully curated facilities, they can be far more than just a place to lay your head.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy

TRAVEL EXPERTS (TRAVEL COMPANY)

The brains behind the operation — agents and operators have the inspiration and know-how to turn our whims into expertly organised, once-in-a-lifetime trips.

Trailfinders

HIGH CLASS (AIRLINE EXPERIENCE)

From seating to service, entertainment to ambience, these guys excelled.

Emirates

TRUE CLASS (AIRLINE VALUE)

It isn’t necessarily about no-frills flying — these are the carriers that offer genuine value for money.

British Airways

GREEN LIGHT (ECO TRAVEL)

Be it a hotel, a travel company, a region or attraction, we’re applauding the forward-thinking eco warriors out there.

TUI Cruises

BOOK WORM (BOOK)

A travel book knocked your socks off? Took you on a literary foray to lands unknown? Expanded your mind and inspired your next trip?

Islander, by Patrick Barkham (Granta Books, 2017)

SCREEN & SOUND (TV & RADIO)

A TV or radio programme that encapsulates all that’s good about travel.

Blue Planet II (BBC One)

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO TRAVEL

Bill Bryson

The Prizes

Five-night holiday in Phuket, Thailand
Win a five-night luxury bed and breakfast stay at Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand, in a Banyan Pool Villa for two people with return flights from London to Phuket with Destinology, leaders in luxury travel for more than 14 years. Surrounded by a saltwater lagoon, Banyan Tree Phuket is nestled in the enclave of Laguna Phuket and is the perfect tropical retreat. Revel in your luxuriously spacious Banyan Pool Villa, with its open-air bathtub and six-metre outdoor pool. Your stay will include a luxurious massage at the Banyan Tree Spa, together with a sumptuous dining experience at the Watercourt Restaurant.

Two-night luxury spa stay in WiltshireWin a two-night stay in Wiltshire’s luxury Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort The prize includes two nights on a B&B basis, with one dinner and entrance to Bowood House and gardens included. A boutique-style hotel, offering luxury accommodation and unrivalled leisure facilities, it’s the perfect retreat for weekend escapes, golf and spa breaks. Bowood Hotel offers dining in the Shelburne Restaurant and two lounges for morning coffee, afternoon tea or pre-dinner cocktails. The spa has an infinity pool, hot pool, crystal steam room, rock sauna, aromatherapy showers, four treatment rooms and a gym.

Amazon Kindles
We’ve got two of these terrific touchscreen e-readers up for grabs. They’re a travel must-have: lighter than a paperback, they can download books in under 60 seconds when connected to wi-fi.